Denver, CO, April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Friday, April 18, something extraordinary is happening inside a barbecue joint on Sheridan Boulevard. The Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Westminster will be filled not only with the aroma of hickory-smoked brisket but with the uplifting voices of children who’ve endured unthinkable hardship and are now singing their way toward a better future.
The Matsiko World Orphan Choir, made up of children from some of the world’s most vulnerable communities, will perform a moving, one-of-a-kind benefit concert inside the Westminster dining room from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. These children don’t just sing. They share stories of resilience, faith and dreams still unfolding. And on this night, every bite of barbecue will help carry those dreams even further.
In the spirit of Doing Good on Good Friday, 20% of all sales throughout the day will be donated to Matsiko Children International, a nonprofit that provides long-term educational sponsorships to orphaned and at-risk children around the world – giving them the tools to break cycles of poverty and thrive.
“I’ve never met a group of kids who sing with such joy, knowing how far they’ve come,” said Bobby Rusnak, owner of the Westminster Dickey’s. “When you hear them perform, you feel something deep inside. We wanted to open our doors and our hearts to be part of their journey.”
Since 2004, Matsiko Children International has sponsored thousands of children through university or vocational school, changing not only their lives but entire communities. The choir travels to raise awareness and share the power of what’s possible when kids are simply given a chance.
“These children are not defined by their past. They’re defined by their promise,” said Don Windham, Founder and President of Matsiko Children International. “With each note they sing, they remind us of the strength of the human spirit and what’s possible when we choose compassion.”
The Dickey’s Barbecue brand, now in its 83rd year, continues to stand firm in its belief that food can bring people together as well as fuel something much greater than a meal.
“At Dickey’s, we’re more than a restaurant. We’re a family,” said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “And when you welcome these children into your dining room, into your city and into your heart, you realize the true meaning of community.”
“The work Matsiko is doing is truly transformational. It’s lifting lives through love, education and opportunity,” said Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group. “We’re proud to stand beside them and I want to give a special thanks to our Westminster owner, Bobby Rusnak, for leading with heart and bringing this beautiful event to life. This isn’t just a concert, it’s a moment that reminds us all of what’s possible when community comes together.”
Join us this Good Friday for a meal that feeds more than your appetite. Bring your family and friends, and experience an unforgettable evening of song, soul and support. Every meal matters and every guest helps make a difference.
Come dine for a cause at:
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
8715 Sheridan Blvd, Westminster, CO 80003
Matsiko World Orphan Choir Performance | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
20% of all sales on April 18 will be donated to Matsiko Children International
About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.
Founded in 1941 by The Dickey Family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world’s largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For over 80 years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™ Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey’s barbecued meats are paired with a variety of southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey’s never takes shortcuts—because real barbecue can’t be rushed.
With over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise and Dickey’s Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Inc.
Dickey’s has been recognized on Newsweek’s 2022 "America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation’s Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology’s Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine.
For more information, visit www.dickeys.com. For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com
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Louisa Garrett Dickey's Barbecue Pit lgarrett@dickeys.com
